Greetings! So I noticed that in many pics posted, the chrome trim is largely blacked out. I have seen the videos on plasti-dipping and also the other product that is like it. And the wrapping. But it seems that it would have to be redone every so often, esp if one runs the car through automated car washes like i do every week (black is soooo hard to keep clean!). I also noticed that outmotoring sells kits of black trim with double backed adhesive tape. The guys posting the videos on YouTube seem very happy with it when putting it on, but what happens down the road? Has anyone gotten the trim pieces and what is the impression with them? At $100 a pop for the grill surround only, I’m just wondering. What have others on this forum done and with what degree of satisfaction?
Thank you in advance...

 

I'm glad you posted that question. As a new owner (2018 F57 S), I have also been attracted by the blackout look. I've spent hours searching and browsing the forums, YouTube, Ebay, Amazon, and the many online retailers. The problem is that there are too many choices, and no really good comparison of the good/bad.

It looks like once you get started, there's really a lot of shiny stuff to cover, and leaving a couple items undone, will just ruin the overall effect. I would love to read some "this is what I did" stories from owners, that discuss the pros/cons of their experiences.

 

I've done two of my MINI's with the spray on plastic. After three years only the edges needed to be touched up even with the use of automated car washes during the winter. In fact, when I turned in my lease, it took me about 5 hours to get all of the plastic off of the trim.

 

I covered my headlight rings, door handle, boot handles, and beltline with top grade 3m vinyl in early '07 and it's still on there. Few rock chips on the headlight rings and the boot handle could use a redo from sun fade..

 

I've blacked out my last couple MINIs and sell the parts too.

The stick on stuff has it's place due to cost, but for longterm use the OEM stuff is so much better and what I would recommend.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/14-f56-cooper-s/exterior/

But for the beltline I did use plastidip as it gave it a good luck and was able to cover the chrome with the rubber attached.

 

Thank you WayMotorWorks!! That’s exactly what I wanted in the first place, a total replacement grill trim. I noticed that there isn’t a rear blackout trim ring (for obvious reason as the rear taillight appears to be one piece). But do the f54/56 headlight trim rings fit a clubman also? Love all the other items on your site. Guess I’m finally starting to be able to make my clubman my own after all! Thank you again!!